When the Sooners head to Lubbock in an effort to lock down a Big 12 South division title this Saturday, they'll be doing it with a pass rush that will be less than 100 percent.

Even if Auston English is able to play this Saturday, the Sooners won't have their best pass rusher at full strength after he had a rod surgically inserted into his leg earlier this week.

But talking to OU coaches this week, English's status this weekend is anything but certain.

"He's a tough kid but we're going to be smart and he's smart enough to know where he's at and if he can compete at a high level," said defensive ends coach Chris Wilson.

English underwent the surgical procedure because he just didn't feel comfortable after suffering a fractured bone in his lower leg against Texas A&M.

"Instead of putting a brace on it we put a pin in it," explained Wilson. "It's a non-weight bearing bone and the biggest thing for Auston was comfort. It's very similar to what Rocky Calmus had but what the rod does is stabilize it for him where he doesn't feel it moving around. It's a day-to-day deal."